Eid Al Adha: Dubai Police step up patrols in Hatta

Colonel Mubarak Al Ketbi orders officers to monitor adherence to Covid-19 guidelines

Hatta is a popular spot for UAE residents on staycations. Courtesy: Meraas

Police in Hatta are stepping up patrols during the Eid Al Adha holiday.

The force urged people travelling in the area over the four-day break to follow the rules of the road, refrain from using phones while driving and adhere to Covid-19 guidelines, state news agency Wam reported on Monday.

Many people are taking advantage of the long weekend to explore the country and enjoy a staycation.

Dubai's Hatta is a popular spot with its hiking trails and bike paths in the mountains. It is also less humid than the coastal cities.

Col Mubarak Al Ketbi, director of Hatta Police Station, said there would be more patrols than usual over Eid and that the public "should refrain from using their phones to exchange Eid greetings while driving".

Doing so could “cause serious accidents due to distraction”, he said.

Col Al Ketbi said it was also important to follow Covid-19 rules such as wearing masks and observing social distancing.

He warned people about the dangers of using fireworks and cautioned parents against allowing their children to swim in dams and climb dangerous cliffs.